Announcing the Tech Jobs Academy

In the Digital Age, a career in tech can bring not only financial security and independence, but a sense of power and purpose as well. For far too long, such coveted jobs have been locked behind a computer science degree, accessible only to those able to spend a number of years and often hundreds of thousands of dollars on higher education. But times are changing. According to the New York City Tech Ecosystem Study, up to 44% of New York City’s tech ecosystem jobs now do not require a Bachelor’s degree. Life-altering tech careers are opening up to many New Yorkers who’ve never before had access and Microsoft is proud to be a part of this positive change.

Today, we are excited to announce that Microsoft, the Tech Talent Pipeline, and CUNY’s New York City College of Technology are partnering to launch the Tech Jobs Academy, a 16-week technical training pilot program for unemployed and underemployed New Yorkers. The curriculum and approach is inspired by the Microsoft Software and Systems Academy (MSSA), which provides valuable tech skills to exiting members of the U.S. military in the months before their return to civilian life. The Tech Jobs Academy is applying Microsoft’s approach for the benefit of those talented New Yorkers who have everything but opportunity. MSSA has successfully supplied hundreds of service members with technical and professional skills that have enabled them to take on well-paying jobs in information technology. We hope to do something similar here in New York.

“The NYC Tech Talent Pipeline is thrilled to partner with Microsoft and New York City College of Technology to deliver industry-informed training that leads to quality jobs for New Yorkers and quality talent for New York’s businesses. With Microsoft’s experience in the field and with CUNY’s demonstrated experience serving New Yorkers, the NYC Tech Jobs Academy presents a new training model with the potential to scale across institutions. We look forward to the opportunities born of this work.”

— Kristen Titus, Founding Director, NYC Tech Talent Pipeline

Starting January 4th, 2016, 25 participants will embark on a transformative experience developing their technical and interpersonal skills at the New York City College of Technology campus in downtown Brooklyn in preparation for a life-long career in technology. Applications are now open at TechJobsAcademy.com.

Through intensive, full-time study over several months, participants will gain expertise in cloud and server administration, including areas of focus such as network fundamentals, server infrastructure, and cloud integration. With participant costs funded by New York City’s Workforce One program and delivery conducted by the New York City College of Technology, the Tech Jobs Academy’s accelerated curriculum was designed by Microsoft in response to the needs of its partner companies – small and medium-sized businesses – in the Greater New York City area. These growing companies specifically identified cloud and server administration skills as the skill set they need the most, which is why participants will dive deep into this intensive, full-time program focusing on exactly that. And participants who successfully complete the program will be connected directly to job opportunities at those same area employers.

Earlier this year, Mayor Bill de Blasio formally announced the NYC Tech Talent Pipeline, a first-of-its-kind $10 million public-private partnership designed to support the growth of the city’s tech ecosystem and prepare New Yorkers for 21st century jobs. The following month, President Barack Obama announced the TechHire initiative to empower Americans with the tech skills they need and the opportunities they deserve.

“This partnership between the NYC Tech Talent Pipeline, Microsoft, and City Tech, represents an important example of how private industry and the public sector can work together to achieve the common objective of preparing the skilled workforce that will drive local economic growth.”

— Russell K. Hotzler, President, New York City College of Technology

The Tech Jobs Academy reflects these ideals and aims not only to train participants, but to establish a new model for demand-driven accelerated learning that is broadly accessible. Because New York’s greatest resource is its people. We know New Yorkers have what it takes to excel in this competitive and challenging program and we’re excited to help them transform their lives through careers in tech.

U.S. Chief Technology Officer Megan Smith has a favorite piece of advice: “Just go for it.” If the Tech Jobs Academy sounds like something for you, we hope you just go for it and apply.